Darren Lehmann's New Contract Shows How Far Australia Have Come

Darren Lehmann took over as coach of Australia at a difficult juncture, 13 days away from the start of an Ashes series in England.

His predecessor Mickey Arthur had left under a cloud following a breakdown in relationship with senior players. They lost the series 3-0.

Now, 16 months on, Lehmann has signed a well-deserved contract extension keeping him in the job until June 2017. The turnaround has been quite remarkable.

Under Lehmann’s command, Australia have recorded a 5-0 Ashes whitewash and beaten South Africa, the No.1-ranked Test side, away from home.

As a result, the ICC rankings reflect their upturn in fortunes. Australia are currently the No.1-ranked ODI side and are narrowly behind South Africa at the top of the Test list.

A Test record of seven wins, two draws and four losses may not look spectacular when compared to previous Aussie regimes, but Lehmann can be credited with other achievements.

Under Arthur, there had been widespread unhappiness in the camp—vice-captain Shane Watson was particularly disillusioned by Arthur’s insistence on players doing their "homework."

Perhaps because of this, Lehmann took a very different approach—creating a relaxed and sociable environment which has helped bring the best out of many players. "Homework" was ditched in favour of pranks and jokes.

Lehmann has shown that in elite sport, professionalism is compatible with enjoyment. Australia have been transformed from a disaffected collection of individuals to a relaxed and successful group.

After the announcement of his new contract, Lehmann spoke about the change in environment, telling Cricket Australia the biggest difference is "...the togetherness of the group as a whole, support staff and players, the way we all get on so well with the families and look after each other outside the game."

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This positive atmosphere has translated directly into improvements on the pitch.

David Warner has developed from a talented stroke-maker into an aggressive and effective opening batsman, capable of destruction in Twenty20 and consistency in Test cricket. Similarly Steve Smith is finally delivering on his obvious talent, focusing on batting rather than leg-spin.

Lehmann has also astutely integrated experienced players. At 37, Chris Rogers has provided solidity at the top of the order; 36-year-old vice-captain Brad Haddin has played some crucial knocks as well as bringing motivation behind the stumps; while 35-year-old Ryan Harris has shaken off injuries to be fantastic with the ball. 

However, it has been the form of Mitchell Johnson that has really sustained Australia’s resurgence. The left-arm fast bowler has been back to his frightening best—bowling quickly, aggressively and helping his side win Test matches.

In 2014, Johnson has taken an exceptional 28 wickets at an average of 16.25 in just four matches, per Cricinfo.

Whether his refound rhythm is specifically down to Lehmann’s guidance or not, he has certainly given him the confidence to perform on the pitch.

Lehmann’s new contract has not come as a surprise. It shows that Australia have found stability and are looking for continuity ahead of an important period.

A packed calendar awaits which includes home series against South Africa and India before a triangular ODI series in preparation for the hosting of the ICC World Cup in February 2015.

As the No. 1-ranked ODI team in the world and on home soil, the World Cup represents a serious chance to win some silverware for Australia.  

Further in the distance looms another Ashes series, taking place in England in 2015. With England in danger of sliding in the opposite direction to their great rivals, Lehmann will be confident he can put right the loss he suffered early in his tenure.

Australia are confident they have the right man at the helm to take them to the top again. Stable, in form and in high spirits—you would not bet against them.